System and method for charging fee for video information

ABSTRACT

In fee charging system for a video information, scramble signals including video information and charging information can be recorded, free of charge, such that the signals are read later therefrom using a fee based scheme. In an operation to reproduce original video signals from the signals read from the media by a recording and reproducing apparatus, the charging information is detected to conduct a charging process. The charging process is executed for each copying operation. The video information includes first video information as main video information and second video information. First charging information is added to the first video information, and second, different charging information is added to the second video information. A charging process is executed by a charge processing unit according to the charging information. When the second charging information is detected, the charging process is accomplished according to the second charging information.

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.08/539,163, filed Oct. 4, 1995, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a fee charging system for use incases in which information such as video information is supplied for payvia a satellite broadcasting system, a community antenna television(CATV) system, a video cassette tape, or an optical disk and, inparticular, to a charging system and a charging method for use in casesin which particular information such as information of commercialmessages is simultaneously supplied as a portion of, for example, videoinformation.

[0003] Conventionally, when information including video information issupplied via a CATV system or the like, if such particular informationas information of commercials in not supplied together with videoinformation in pay-television systems, for example, of the Nippon HosoKyokai (NHK) (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) and WOWOW (one of thebroadcasting satellite services in Japan), the subscribers of suchtelevision broadcasting systems are uniformly charged for the receivedvideo information for each predetermined period of time. With theincome, the broadcasting organizations conduct operations to supplyvarious programs to the users. Furthermore, even when information issupplied to subscribers for pay via a video-cassette tape or an opticaldisk, for example, in a rental system, the particular information suchas commercial information is not supplied together with videoinformation. Namely, the amount of charge is decided for each program(for each videocassette tape or optical disk). In contrast therewith,for example, in a commercial broadcasting system using ground waves, theparticular information including commercial information is suppliedtogether with video information. That is, since such a broadcasting orso-called video information system is operated to serve the videoinformation on the income from sponsors of the information, the viewerscan obtain information free of charge.

[0004] Charging systems for pay-television broadcasting systems havebeen described, for example, in Japanese Patent Applications Un-examinedPublication Nos. JP-A-5-95296 and JP-A-3-147490.

[0005] In the charging system of conventional pay-televisionbroadcasting and pay information media, the charging operation isaccomplished when transmitted digital video information is received andreproduced. The scrambled state of signals is thereafter descrambled.Alternatively, after an amount of charge is paid in advance, the digitalvideo information is supplied to the pertinent user. Once the digitalvideo information supplied to a user is descrambled as above, theinformation can be, in principle, arbitrarily recorded to produce copiesthereof as many times as desired.

[0006] If the copying of digital information is allowed withoutlimitation, it will be against copyrighter's interests. Moreover, thisleads to decrease in the income of the supplier of video information.Additionally, when the amount of charge for information is determined onthe assumption of an arbitrary number of copies are to be made ofinformation on the user side, the amount of charge will be undesirablyincreased.

[0007] It is predictable that development and advance in multimedia willenhance expansion in utilization of video-on-demand services and CATVsystems. Video-on-demand has a remarkable merit or feature in thatnecessary video information can be arbitrarily attained at a desiredpoint of time. However, there is no room for particular information suchas information of a commercial message. As a result, the cost ofequipment as well as the maintaining cost necessary to supply servicesincluding the video-on-demand service are reflected in the amount ofcharge to be paid for the acquisition of video information. Thistherefore hinders a low-cost supply of video information.

[0008] Furthermore, in a commercial broadcasting system using groundwaves, since commercial messages broadcasted during programs interruptthe stream of each program, the effect or quality of programs such as anentertaining feature thereof is deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide afee charging system for a video information and a method for chargingfees for a video information taking advantage of a feature of digitalinformation that the quality thereof is rarely deteriorated even whenthe information is copied, so that the video information is supplied tousers at a low price while protecting the copyright of suppliedinformation.

[0010] In an embodiment of a fee charging system for video informationaccording to the present invention, a scrambled signal in which videoinformation is mixed with charging information can be recorded on arecording media so as to be later read therefrom. The charging operationmay not be necessarily conducted for the recording, namely, copying ofthe scrambled signal. In consequence, the viewer or user is allowed tocopy free of charge the scrambled signal including the video informationand charging information an arbitrarily desired number of times. When asignal read from the recording media by a recording and reproducingapparatus is descrambled to attain the original signal for reproductionthereof, the charging information is detected in the obtained signal soas to carry out a charging process according to the charginginformation. Consequently, although the scrambled signal may bearbitrarily copied onto any recording media, the charging operation isaccomplished each time the signal is descrambled for reproductionthereof.

[0011] Since the fee charging for the usage of video information isconducted for each reproduction thereof, the utilization fee of theinformation is appropriately paid to the author thereof. In consequence,when a copy of information produced by a first user is passed to asecond user and the second user copies the obtained information again,the charging operation is also achieved for the copy of the second user.It is hence possible to lower the utilization fee of information whichwill be more frequently copied. Information is, in one hand, directlysupplied to users via such media as a video tape and a laser disk. Onthe other hand, the copying of information on the viewer or user sidepossibly increases the number of users of the information and hence theutilization fee thereof can be decreased. Additionally, the conventionalsystem in which the charging operation is effected for copies ofinformation or the amount of charge is paid before the signal isdescrambled depresses or lowers the customers' interest in purchasingvideo information. In contrast therewith, according to a charging systemin which the scrambled information is allowed to be arbitrarily copiedin accordance with the present invention, when the user once attainsvideo information, there will be more chances in which the informationis copied for other purposes. Namely, the video information will beutilized in a broader range of viewers.

[0012] When commercials (i.e., advertisements) are added to the mainvideo information, an amount of charge for the commercial message (i.e.,advertising information) is obtained from the sponsor, which makes itpossible to reduce the utilization fee of video information. To achievethe object of the present invention to supply video information at apossibly low cost, the video information includes, according to anotherembodiment of the present invention, first charging information andsecond charging information. In this regard, the video informationincludes, for example, first video information as the main videoinformation, such as a movie or a show, and second video information ofcommercials or the like. The first charging information is added to thefirst video information, whereas the second charging information isadded to the second video information. A charge processing unit carriesout a charging process according to the charging information. When thesecond charging information is detected, the charge processing unitexecutes the charging operation according to the second charginginformation.

[0013] For views who desire to skip commercial messages, it is possibleto suppress the reproduction of commercial information. For viewers whodesire to reproduce only the main video information, namely, first videoinformation, the amount of charge is decided according to the firstcharging information. For the users who reproduce the first videoinformation as well as the second video information, namely, commercialmessages, the charging operation is effected according to the secondcharging operation. The amount of charge thus determined is differentfrom that derived from the first charging information. According to thesecond charging information, it may be specified that the pertinentviewer can use video information free of charge or the amount of chargeto be decided by the second charging information is lower than thatcomputed according to the first charging information.

[0014] Moreover, the charging system according to the present inventionhas the following operation aspects.

[0015] 1. When particular information such as information of commercialsis supplied together with video information from the program supplyingside, there may be employed predetermined conditions for the particularinformation. When one of the conditions is satisfied, for example, whencommercial messages are viewed for at least a present period of time, aparticular charge can be set to the video information, for example, areduced amount of charge is applied thereto or the information issupplied free of charge.

[0016] 2. Also for copied information, a charging process can be carriedout while protecting, for example, the copyright of the information.

[0017] 3. The charging operation can be achieved with an integratedcircuit (IC) card storing therein electronic money. As a result, it isunnecessary to use such operations conventionally required when thecharging operation is carried out with a credit card such as a creditcheck for creditability of the user and the post-operation forsettlement of the pertinent account. Moreover, the unfavorable situationin which the charged amount is left unsettled can be avoided, and the ICcard may also be utilized.

[0018] 4. Recognizing the quantity of errors in input signals, thecharging process can be accomplished according to the quality of inputsignals. For example, when the amount of errors exceeds a preset value,the users are not charged for information acquired.

[0019] 5. The setting of the particular charge for acquisition of videoinformation is carried out according to recognizing an event that theobtained number of particular charging information items exceeds apredetermined value or according to detection of the particular chargeitems distributively arranged in the portion of commercial signals. Inconsequence, the particular charge is applied only to a case in whichparticular information such as information of commercials is viewed forat least a preset period of time, and hence the commercial effect isaffirmatively enhanced.

[0020] Still further objects and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon readingand understanding the following detailed description of the preferredand alternative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anembodiment of a fee charging system for a video information according tothe present invention;

[0022]FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of transmission signals inwhich charging information is added to video information not includingcommercial information;

[0023]FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of transmission signals inwhich first and second charging information items are added respectivelyto the main video information and commercial information;

[0024]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing in detail the format of transmissionsignals including charging information;

[0025]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the format of a headerfield of transmission signals including charging information;

[0026]FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams showing examples of configurations ofthe contents of charging information;

[0027]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing structure of an apparatus inwhich charging information is added to video information to generatetransmission signals to be outputted therefrom;

[0028]FIG. 7 is a block diagram specifically showing constitution ofrespective circuits of FIG. 1;

[0029]FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a feecharging system for a video information according to the presentinvention;

[0030]FIGS. 9A and B are diagrams showing an example of the contents ofcharging information in the embodiment of FIG. 8.

[0031]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of distributed arrangementof charging information in the embodiment of FIG. 8; and

[0032]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a concrete example ofconstitution of an encoder circuit of commercial charging information inthe embodiment of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, description will begiven of an embodiment of a fee charging system for video informationaccording to the present information.

[0034]FIG. 1 shows in a block diagram an embodiment of a fee chargingsystem for video information according to the present information. Inthe system of FIG. 1, a satellite broadcasting facility, a CATV system,a laser disk, or a video tape is employed as the video informationsupplying media. An apparatus in which scrambled video information isreceived from the media so as to reproduce original video informationthereof is used on, for example, a display and is hence called aset-top-box. The set-top-box might, for example, only include a decodersection 1 of FIG. 1 or may include tuners 24 and 26 for receivingbroadcasted waves, a laser disk player 34, a videotape recorder 28, aswell as the decoder section 1 depending on cases.

[0035] The decoder section 1 of the set-top-box includes anidentification (ID) card interface 2 for supplying a decoder withinformation such as a decode condition, approval of decoding, and an IDnumber of the user, the interface 2 senses and reports therefrom anevent that a decoder IC card 22 is installed in the decoder. The decodersection 1 also includes decoder control circuit 3 for controllingoperation of the decoder according to whether or not the IC card is inthe decoder and a control input signal supplied from an input terminal30, a descrambler 4 to restore scrambled information to the originalform, a circuit 5 for interpreting or decoding a decode condition, aninput change-over switch (SW) 6, a record signal output circuit 7 forrecording video information and other information on a videotaperecorder or the like, a circuit 8 for decoding charging information, acharge calculating circuit 9 for calculating an amount of charge, atimer 10 for measuring a period of charging time, a copy guard circuit11 for additionally providing copy preventive information, an analogsignal output circuit 12, a digital signal output circuit 13, a chargingcircuit 14 for settling the charged amount with an IC card 17 storingtherein electronic money and conducting remittance of the settledamount, a modem circuit 15 for communicating information of remittance,an interface 16 for the IC card 17 storing therein electronic money, anerror amount check circuit 32 for checking the quantity of errorsdetected by the descrambler 4, a charging information error amount checkcircuit 33 for inspecting the amount of errors detected in the charginginformation by the charging information decoding circuit 8, and acharging information detection count circuit 48 for recognizing thatcharging information is detected exceeding a preset number of timesaccording to the number of events of charging information detection fromthe charging information decoding circuit 8 and the charging informationdetection signal.

[0036] In addition, the input change-over switch 6 is connected to atuner 24 for receiving a satellite broadcasting signal, a tuner 26 forreceiving a CATV signal, a videotape recorder 28 for recording andreproducing analog and digital signals, an input change-over signalterminal 29 for controlling the input change-over switch 6, and anapparatus (LDP) for reproducing information on an optical disk 34. Thesatellite broadcasting tuner 24 is connected to a satellite broadcastingantenna 24 for receiving signals sent from a broadcasting satellite 23,whereas the CATV tuner 26 receives signals via a communication line 20from a CATV broadcasting station or repeating station 27. In thisregard, the input change-over switch 6 has an input terminal, which maybe connected to a computer network, not shown, such that videoinformation is supplied from the network to the input terminal.

[0037] The decoder controller 3 is connected to an operation startsignal terminal 30 for receiving a signal to activate the controller 3.

[0038] The analog signal output circuit 12 is linked with an analogtelevision set (TV) 13 for receiving analog signals. The digital signaloutput circuit 13 is connected to a digital TV 19 for receiving digitalsignals. The modem circuit 15 is arranged between a charge collectingfirm for settling the remitted amount of charge and the communicationline 20.

[0039] The input change-over switch 6 conducts a change over operationto select either one of the signals from the satellite broadcastingtuner 24, CATV tuner 26, LDP 34, and videotape recorder 28. The selectedsignal is fed to the descrambler 4, decode condition decoder 5, chargeinformation decoder 8, and record signal output circuit 7.

[0040] Referring next to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, a description will begiven of operation of the set-top box in the embodiment.

[0041] In the decode condition decoder 5, the received signal is decodedto obtain information about the signal scrambling operation and then adecode condition is delivered to the descrambler 4, according toinformation including a decode condition, decode approval, andidentification (ID) number of the user obtained from the decoder ICcard. Moreover, the decoder 5 sends to the timer 10 a report that thedecode condition has been sent to the descrambler.

[0042] In the descrambler 4, according to the decode condition receivedfrom the decode condition decoder 5, there is set a condition ofreleasing the scrambled state and then the input signal is descrambledto restore the original signal. Additionally, in the descrambler 4, theamount of errors caused in the input signal due to a poor condition ofelectromagnetic wave propagation, damages on the recording media, andthe like are detected to be outputted to an error amount check circuit33. In this connection, the operation of the descrambler 4 is activatedby a signal produced from the decoder controller 3, the signal beingoutputted in response to an insertion signal which indicate insertion ofa decoder IC card in the decoder 1 and which is sent from the IC cardinterface 2 and a signal which indicates that the decode operation is onand which is transmitted from a control input terminal 30. Detection oferrors and a decision of the amount thereof as well as the method ofdetecting errors and the method of deciding the amount thereof can beachieved according to the conventional technique.

[0043] The original signal thus restored by the descrambler 4 is fed tothe copy guard circuit 11 in which a copy guard signal is added thereto.The obtained signal is then delivered to the analog output circuit 12 tobe transformed into an analog signal, which is outputted to the analogTV 18. On the other hand, the signal is fed to the digital outputcircuit 13 to be converted in conformity with a digital interfacespecification so as to be fed to the digital TV. In the charginginformation decoder 8, charging information is extracted from thereceived signal and is then outputted to the charge calculating circuit9.

[0044]FIGS. 2A and 2B show examples of transmission signal includingvideo information to which charging information is added. The charginginformation includes first charging information employed when the userviews only the main video information related to, for example, videoimages of a film or a show and second charging information utilized wheninformation of commercial video images is viewed together with the mainvideo information for a predetermined period of time (or a predeterminednumber of times). Incidentally, the video information ordinarilyincludes voice or audio information.

[0045]FIG. 2A shows the format of transmission signals including onlythe main video information. Namely, there is no commercial video andvoice information in this signal. In the diagram, the first charginginformation is designated by bold lines and the main video informationis denoted by open portions enclosed with bold lines. The first charginginformation is added to the main video information at a fixed intervalof time.

[0046]FIG. 2B shows the signal layout of transmission signals in whichparticular information associated with commercials is added to the mainvideo information. In the diagram, the regions of commercial video andvoice information are indicated by hatched portions. The second charginginformation (designated by the thickest lines) is arranged in thecommercial information region at a fixed interval of time. The secondcharging information includes information that the amount of charge isreduced or the information is supplied free of charge.

[0047]FIG. 3 shows a detailed example of transmission signals of FIGS.2A 2B. Signals 50 to be transmitted (or reproduced) constitute oneinformation packet including a header field 51 and a data field 52including 256 data blocks We as shown in FIG. 3. A plurality ofinformation packets are transmitted in sequence via a satellite or CATVfacility to a set-top box. The header field 51 includes asynchronization (sync) signal and a header. As shown in FIG. 4, theheader includes information such as an address, an information name(title), an amount of information, an information transmission source, acopyrighter, first or second charging information, and a scramblecondition. Each data block includes a sync signal, a block address, 256data areas and an error correction signal or cyclic redundancy check(CRC) signal. The main video information or commercial information isscrambled together with information of the data areas to resultantlyproduce a scrambled digital signal.

[0048]FIGS. 5A and 5C show in detail the charging information in theheader field 51.

[0049]FIG. 5A includes a charge data area indicating the first or secondcharging amount per unitary (reproduction) time, a flag indicatingpresence of second charging information, and an area denoting acondition for usage of second charging information. The condition of thesecond charging condition need only be, for example, a predeterminedplural number of times of detection of the second charging informationflag. That is, to reproduce transmission signals in the set-top box, thesecond charging information is employed when the number of detection ofthe second charging information flag becomes equal to the requirednumber of times specified in the condition area. When the flag is notdetected or the number of detection times is less than the requirednumber of times, the charging process is carried out with the firstcharging information.

[0050]FIG. 5B includes charge data areas respectively indicating thereinthe first and second charge amounts per unitary time, a flag denotingpresence of second charging information, and an area indicating acondition for use of second charging information. The charging conditionof FIG. 5B is the same as that of FIG. 5A.

[0051]FIG. 5C includes a charge data area for indicating therein thefirst charge amount per unitary time, a charge data area in which areduction constant applied to the amount of first charging informationis indicated as second charging information, a flag designatingexistence of second charging information, and an area indicating acondition of utilization of second charging information. As thereduction constant, there is specified a predetermined reductionconstant to be multiplied by the amount of the first charginginformation (free of charge when the constant is set to zero) or areduction amount to be reduced from the amount of the first charginginformation. The charging condition of FIG. 5C is similar to that ofFIG. 5A.

[0052]FIG. 6 shows structure of a signal transmitting apparatus in thesatellite or CATV broadcasting station.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 6, description will be given of operationto add charging information for a privileged condition to the commercialsignal field.

[0054] In the satellite or CATV broadcasting station, commercial (CM)video information 36 and main video information 37 are selected via aswitch 42, whereas CM audio information 34 and audio or voiceinformation 35 is selected through a changed-over operation by a switch41. The selected signals are fed to a scrambler 43 to be scrambledtherein. The scrambled signal is fed to an adder 47. On the other hand,scramble condition data 38 fed via a gate circuit 45 and charginginformation 39 delivered through a gate circuit 46 are inputted to theadder 47 to be added to the scrambled signal. Timing of the addingoperation of the adder 47 is controlled by a timing signal generatedfrom a timing generator 44 according to a reference signal (e.g., ahorizontal or vertical sync signal) of the video information 37. Thechange-over operation for the CM and charging information isaccomplished by a signal to control the change-over between CM video andvoice information generated from an input terminal 40 in response to anoperation conducted by the user.

[0055] While the description has been described of an example of asatellite or CATV broadcasting station, the operation is similarlyachieved when a videocassette tape or an optical disk is employed as therecording media. Namely, the operation can be accomplished by recordingsignals from the adder 47 on the media.

[0056] The privileged charge according to the second charginginformation is applied to the viewing of added commercial video images.The charging operation is conducted when the added charging information,namely, the second charging information flag is detected exceeding thepredetermined number of times. Information of the number of times ofdetection is added together with the charging information.

[0057] Consequently, in the charging information decoder 8, only whencharging information associated with the privilege is detected, adetection signal is produced each time the particular charge informationis sensed. The signal is then outputted to the charging informationdetection count circuit 48 together with the predetermined number oftimes thus established.

[0058] In the circuit 48, the preset number of times and the sensesignal are examined to recognize a condition that the charginginformation is detected more than the preset number of times.Information of the recognized condition is then outputted to the chargecalculating circuit 9. In the calculating circuit 9, a chargingcondition is established according to the information of the chargingcondition from the charging information decoder 8 and the information ofrecognition from the charging information detection count circuit 48. Inother words, when particular information such as information ofcommercials is continuously decoded for a preset period of time (i.e.,the charging information is sensed more than the fixed number of times,namely, a predetermined plural number of times), the charging amount isreduced or the information is supplied free of charge. In thisconnection, once the privileged amount is established, the chargingcondition may be kept unchanged until the pertinent program is replacedwith a new program in the system. Or, the condition may be kepteffective until the next privileged charge information is sensed.However, the amount of charge is reset each time a new program is loadedfor execution thereof.

[0059] In the signals reproduced by the videotape recorder 28 or LDP 34,when a portion of particular information associated with commercials orthe like to which the privileged charge information is added is skippedby, for example, a search operation, the privileged charge informationcannot be detected more than the preset number of time and hence theprivileged charge is not applied. Namely, there is employed the ordinarycharging information added to the video information other than theparticular information such as information of commercials.

[0060] In the charge calculating circuit 9, an amount of charge iscalculated under the established charging condition according toinformation of time issued from the timer each time a preset fixedperiod of time lapses. The charged amount is delivered to the chargeprocessing circuit 14. In this regard, the charge calculating circuitassumes that the quality of input signals is remarkably lowered and,hence, sets the free-of-charge condition when a signal indicating a highfrequency of occurrences of errors is produced from the error amountcheck circuit 32 for deciding that the amount of errors sensed by thedescrambler 4 is equal to or more than a preset value or when a signalindicating the same condition is generated from the charging informationerror amount check circuit 33 for recognizing that the quantity oferrors detected in the charging information sensed by the charginginformation decoder 8 is equal to or more than a predetermined value.

[0061] In the charge processing circuit 14, the account of theelectronic money IC card 17 is settled via the IC card interface 16 forthe charged amount created from the charge calculating circuit 9 (thecharged amount is withdrawn from the total amount of the IC card 17).Since the settlement is conducted with the electronic money IC card 17,the charging process can be frequently accomplished at a fixed period oftime without any additional cost required in the conventional system.

[0062] Furthermore, in the circuit 14, the settled amount is remittedvia the communication line 20 (e.g., a telephone line) to the chargecollecting firm 21. Namely, information of remittance is communicatedvia the modem 14. Since the settlement is achieved with the IC cardstoring therein electronic money, the credit checking process andcomplex post-processing are unnecessary in the credit settlement.Additionally, by checking the balance of the IC card, it is possible toreport a warning message or to stop the decoding operation when thebalance is insufficient, thereby preventing a case in which the paymentof charged amount is not carried out.

[0063] Moreover, the checking of the balance in the IC card makes itpossible to conduct a settlement service with a credit card in place ofthe IC card only when the balance is insufficient in the IC card. Thesettlement service process is also executed through the bidirectionalcommunication with the charge collecting firm 21.

[0064]FIG. 7 shows a specific example of circuit constitution includingthe charge information decoder 8, charge information detection countcircuit 48, charge calculating circuit 9, charge processing circuit 14,and error amount check circuits 32 and 33 of FIG. 1.

[0065] In signal extracting circuits 81 to 84 of the charginginformation decoder 8, first charging information, second charginginformation, a second charging information use condition, and a secondcharging information flag are extracted from the signals of the headerfield 51 of the transmission signal.

[0066] The charging information detection count circuit 48 includes acounter 481 for conducting a counting operation each time the flagdetecting circuit 84 senses a second charging information storage flagduring a predetermined unitary time. A necessary flag detection countsatisfying the second charging information use condition from the signalextraction circuit 83 is stored in a count setting circuit 482. When theobtained value of the counter 481 is equal to the value set to the countsetting circuit 482, a signal specifying second charging information iscreated.

[0067] In the charge calculating circuit 9, a switch 91 selects inresponse to the second charging information specifying signal from thedetection count circuit 48 the second charging information outputtedfrom the signal extracting unit 84. When the specifying signal ismissing, the switch 91 selects the first charging information from thesignal extracting unit 81. An amount of charge per unitary time in thecharging information selected by the switch circuit 91 is stored in astorage circuit 92. A period of time of operation (reproduction)conducted by the decoder 1 is measured by the timer 10 such that atiming signal is produced for each unitary charging period of time. Inthis connection, inputted to an OR gate 94 are signals generated fromthe error amount check circuits 32 and 33. If there exists either one ofthe input signals, there is produced an addition stop signal. Inresponse thereto, an adder circuit interrupts an operation of addingamounts of charge to each other.

[0068] The charge processing circuit 14 includes a read/write circuit141 capable of accessing a data area of the electronic money IC card 17via the interface 16 and a charge collecting circuit 142 for withdrawingthe charged amount outputted from the adder 93 from the balance in thedata area of the money card 17.

[0069] The error amount check circuit 32 includes an error check circuit321 for detecting errors in the transmission signal according to the CRCcode in the header field 51, a coefficient circuit 322 for counting theamount of errors detected in the unitary period of time, and a decisioncircuit 323 for recognizing that the amount of errors is equal to apredetermined value and producing a signal indicating the pertinentcondition.

[0070] The error amount check circuit 33 includes a parity check circuit331 for detecting errors in the transmission signal according to theparity check code in the header field 51, a coefficient circuit 332 forcounting the amount of errors per unitary time, and a decision circuit333 for determining that the amount of errors is equal to apredetermined value and creating a signal designating the pertinentcondition.

[0071] Incidentally, it is possible to select by an input change-overswitch 6 either one of the signal from the satellite broadcasting tuner24, the signal from the CATV tuner 26, the signal reproduced by LDP 34,and the signal reproduced by the videotape recorder 28. The selectedsignal is outputted via the record signal output circuit 7 together withthe charging information and decoding information. The resultant signalis recorded in a recording apparatus such as the videotape recorder 28.When reproducing the recorded signals, the signals are inputted to thedecoder section 1 of the set-top box to be similarly subjected to thedescrambler process as well as the charging process. In this regard,since a copy guard process is carried out for the signals delivered tothe analog TV 18 and digital TV 19, it is impossible to record (copy)the signals onto another recording media.

[0072] In consequence, the charging operation for the copyright or thelike can be advantageously achieved also for the copied information. Theviewers can advantageously use the video information containingparticular information such as commercial information at a lower price.

[0073] Referring next to FIG. 8, description will be given of analternative embodiment according to the present invention.

[0074]FIG. 8 shows another example of constitution of the fee chargingsystem for video information according to the present invention. In thisblock diagram, the same constituent elements as those of FIG. 1 areassigned with the same reference numerals and description thereof willbe unnecessary.

[0075] The decoder section 1 of the set-top box includes a charginginformation circuit 31 for sending the charged amount from the chargecalculating circuit 9 to the charge collection firm 21 and a CM charginginformation decoder 49 for extracting privileged charging informationdistributively arranged in the CM signal field.

[0076] In the charging system of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, thesame information signal is disposed as second charging information inthe second video information (commercial information) at a fixedinterval. Consequently, an amount of charge for a fixed period of timecan be calculated by counting events of detection of the pertinent flag.In contrast therewith, charging information is distributively arrangedin a plurality of charging signals according to the charging system ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 8. That is, the second charging informationis reproduced by collecting and combining with each other thepredetermined charging signals thus distributed. In the embodiment ofFIG. 8, to use information according to the second charging informationof the particular charge, the user is required to view second videosignals for a period of time in which at least the second charginginformation can be appropriately reproduced.

[0077] Next, description will be given of operation of the set-top boxof FIG. 8. In this connection, since the primary operation thereof isalmost the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, theoperational differences therebetween will be described.

[0078] Also in FIG. 8, charging information is added to videoinformation at a predetermined interval as shown in FIG. 2.Additionally, when particular information such as CM information isadded as shown in FIG. 2B, the charging information of privilege (to seta discounted price or to supply information free of charge is added tothe commercial signal field. However, as distinct from FIG. 1, theprivileged charge information (to set a reduced price or to supplyinformation free of charge) of the commercial signal field isdistributively arranged in this field. Namely, to utilize the charginginformation related to privilege, the commercial signal field isrequired to be continuously decoded at least a preset period of time togather the charging information distributed therein. In consequence, thecharging information decoded by the charging information decoder 8 isfed to the CM charging information decoder 49 such that privilegedcharge information items distributed in the CM signal field arecollected to be fed to the charge calculating circuit 9. Each privilegedcharge information item thus distributed includes, for example, anidentifier indicating that this item contains privileged chargeinformation and a number to reconstruct the original privileged chargeinformation. There may be employed quite a simple method as follows.Namely, one bit is sequentially arranged as each particular chargeinformation item added at a fixed interval.

[0079]FIGS. 9A and 9B show examples of the distributed arrangements ofsecond charging information.

[0080]FIG. 9A includes a charge data area indicating a first amount ofcharge per unitary (reproduction) time, a partial data area indicatingpartial data to calculate a second amount of charge, a flag denotingthat a portion of second charging information is stored, and an areadesignating a condition under which the second charging information isapplied to the charging operation.

[0081]FIG. 9B includes a charge data area in which a first amount ofcharge per unitary time is stored, a partial data area indicating apartial data to calculate a reduction constant for the amount of chargeof first charging information, a flag designating that second charginginformation is stored, and an area indicating a condition under whichthe second charging information is employed.

[0082] The partial data items of second charging information aredistributively arranged in the commercial field of the transmissionsignal. For example, the second charging information may be subdividedinto 13 partial charging information items to be disposed in thetransmission signal as shown in FIG. 10.

[0083] In the reproduction of a video signal 13 charging informationitems are gathered to be restored to the complete second charginginformation by the CM charging information decoder 49. FIG. 11 shows aspecific example of the decoder 49. Partial second charging informationitems outputted from the charging information decoder 8 are sequentiallyaccumulated by a delay circuit 492 and an adder circuit 493 until the 13partial information items are completely collected.

[0084] In the charge calculating circuit 9, a charging condition is setaccording to charging condition information from the charginginformation decoder 8 and privileged charge information from the CMcharging information decoder 49. In other words, when particularinformation such as commercial information is successively decoded for apreset period of time (i.e., when the charging information itemsdistributively arranged in the CM signal field are reconstructed to thecharging information), the charging condition is set to reduce theamount of charge or to supply information free of charge. In the chargecalculating circuit 9, an amount of charge is calculated at apredetermined interval of time under the established charging conditionaccording to information of time from the timer, thereby outputting theamount of charge to the charging information circuit 31.

[0085] In this connection, when a signal designating a large amount oferrors is outputted from the error check circuit 32 which decides thatthe amount of errors detected by the descrambler 4 is equal to or morethan a predetermined value or when a signal similarly denoting a largequantity of errors is produced from the charging information error checkcircuit 33 which recognizes that the amount of errors sensed by thecharging information decoder circuit 8 becomes equal to or more than apreset value, the charge calculating circuit 9 assumes that the qualityof input signals is considerably deteriorated and hence decides that theinformation is supplied free of charge. Thanks to this operation, whenthe quality of information copied onto, for example, a videotape islowered due to deterioration in quality of the tape (i.e., when thereappear too many errors to de-scramble transmission signals), thecharging operation is practically not achieved. It is accordinglypossible to prevent the event in which the user is charged forinformation not actually acquired.

[0086] In the charging information circuit 14, the amount of charge issent via the communication line 20 such as a telephone line to thecharge collecting firm 21. For this purpose, the remittance of thecharged amount is accomplished via the modem 15.

[0087] In the amount remitting process, an ID number received from thedecoder IC card 22 is transmitted together with the charged amount. Incase where transmission process with the charge collecting firm 21 viathe communication line 20, e.g., a telephone line is unsuccessful or thecredit card associated with the settlement of the charged amount ifunacceptable due to expiration of the time limit, the decoder controller3 may be controlled by a signal outputted from the charging informationcircuit 14 to thereby stop the operation of the descrambler 4.

[0088] Incidentally, it is possible that either one of the signal fromthe satellite broadcasting tuner 24, the signal from the CATV tuner 26,the reproduced signal from the LDP 34, and the reproduced signal fromthe videotape recorder 28 is selected to be sent together with charginginformation and decode information via the record signal output circuit7 so as to be recorded in a recording apparatus such as the videotaperecorder 28. In the reproduction of the signal recorded in this fashion,the signal is fed to the decoder section 1 of the set-top box to undergothe descramble and charging processes.

[0089] In consequence, there is attained a merit that the chargingprocess related to the copyright or the like can also be accomplishedfor the copied information. Moreover, the user can advantageouslyacquire at a lower price the video information to which particularinformation such as commercial information is added.

[0090] According to the present invention, there are further obtainedadvantages as follows.

[0091] 1. Particular information associated with commercials or the likeis supplied together with video information to provide the followingservice. When the user successively views the particular informationrelated to commercials for a period of time satisfying a predeterminedcondition, there can be employed a privileged amount of charge (e.g.,the amount of charge is reduced or information is supplied free ofcharge). This leads to an advantage that the user can acquireinformation at a lower price.

[0092] 2. The copied information includes scrambled signals, and thedecode information and charging information are also copiedconsequently, to reproduce and view the copied information, thedescramble and charging processes are necessitated. As a result, thecharging operation is carried out while protecting the copyright and thelike. Furthermore, since the charging operation is executed for eachcopying operation of the same information, it is possible to lower theamount of charge per copy. Resultantly, the user can advantageouslyobtain information at a lower price.

[0093] 3. Since the charged amount can be settled with an IC cardstoring therein electronic money, it is possible to avoid the creditcheck for settlement with a credit card and the complicatedpost-processing for the settlement of the charged amount. Additionally,the undesired event in which the charged amount is kept unsettled can beprevented. Moreover, the credit card may also be utilized.

[0094] In addition, even when there is accomplished a service in which,for example, the charging process is conducted at a predeterminedinterval of time, the settlement of the charged amount can be carriedout only by communicating with the IC card. Namely, the service can beprovided practically without increasing the overall cost for theinformation service.

[0095] 4. Recognizing the amount of errors in input signals, thecharging process can be effected according to the quality of the inputsignals (e.g., the information may be supplied free of charge when thequantity of errors exceeds a preset value). With this provision, whenthe quality of information attained through a copying operation isdeteriorated, the charging process is not executed. Namely, it ispossible to avoid the event in which the user is charged for informationnot acquired.

[0096] 5. There may be introduced methods of determining privilegedcharging information as follows. For example, when privileged charginginformation is detected exceeding a predetermined number of times, theprivileged amount of charge is employed. Or, privileged charginginformation is distributively arranged in the commercial signal field tolater recognize in the viewing of the pertinent information the periodof time in which the information is used by the user. When particularinformation including commercial information is viewed at least a presetperiod of time, the privileged amount of charge is applied to the user.

[0097] While the present invention has been described with reference tothe particular illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted bythose embodiments but only by the appended claims. It is to beappreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify theembodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for charging a fee for a videoinformation, comprising: recording and reproducing means for recordingscrambled signals including video information and charging informationon a recording media and reading the scrambled signals therefrom; meansfor reproducing original video signals from the signals read from therecording media by the recording and reproducing means; and detectingmeans for detecting the charging information in the signals read fromthe recording media.
 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein thecharging information includes first charging information and secondcharging information other than the first charging information.
 3. Asystem according to claim 2, further including charge processing meansfor conducting a charging process according to the first or secondcharging information, the charge processing means conducting thecharging process according to the second charging information when thesecond charging information is detected.
 4. A system according to claim3, wherein: the video information includes first video information andsecond video information; the first charging information being added tothe first video information and the second charging information is addedto the second video information; and the charge processing meansincludes means for deciding a charging condition of the first videoinformation according to the charging information, thereby calculatingan amount of charge associated with a reproduction period of time of thefirst video information according to the decided charging condition. 5.A system according to claim 4, wherein: the second charging informationis represented with signals in a plurality of charging signal areasarranged in the second video information at a predetermined interval;and a charging condition is determined for the second charginginformation when a predetermined number of signals in the pluralcharging signal areas are detected by the detecting means.
 6. A systemaccording to claim 5, wherein said charge processing means includes:means for calculating an amount of charge for a predetermined period oftime according to the first or second charging information; means formeasuring a period of time in which the scrambled signals arereproduced; and means for settling payment of an amount of charge eachtime the predetermined period of time is measured by the measuringmeans.
 7. A system according to claim 4, wherein: said second charginginformation is represented with signals in a plurality of chargingsignal areas distributively arranged in the second video information;and a charging condition is determined for the second charginginformation when a predetermined combination of charging signals in theplural charging signal areas is detected by the detecting means.
 8. Asystem according to claim 4, further including: means for detectingerrors in the reproduced signals and generating an error signal when thequantity of the detected errors exceeds a predetermined value; and meansfor changing the charging condition in response to the error signal. 9.A system according to claim 4, further including: means for detectingerrors in the reproduced signals and generating an error signal when thequantity of the detected errors exceeds a predetermined value; and meansfor invalidating the charging process in response to the error signal.10. A system according to claim 4, wherein the charging conditioncorresponding to the second charging information specifies that apredetermined amount of charge is subtracted from the amount of charge,a predetermined discount rate is applied to the amount of charge, or thecharging process is invalidated.
 11. A system for charging a fee for avideo information, comprising: video information output means forselectively outputting therefrom a signal including first videoinformation or a signal including second video information; means foradding first charging information to the signal including the firstvideo information from the video information output means and addingsecond charging information other than the first charging information tothe signal including the second video information; means fortransmitting therefrom the signal to which the first or second charginginformation is added; and reproducing means for receiving the signaltransmitted from the transmitting means and obtaining from the receivedsignal the first or second video information and the first or secondcharging information.
 12. A system according to claim 11, wherein thereproducing means includes: a recording and reproducing apparatus forrecording on a recording media the signal transmitted from thetransmitting means and reproducing the signal on the recording media;and means for detecting the charging information in the signal on therecording media reproduced by the recording and reproducing apparatus.13. A system according to claim 11, wherein the charging informationadding means distributively adds the first charging information and thesecond charging information respectively to the first video informationand the second video information.
 14. A system according to claim 13,wherein the charging information adding means adds the first charginginformation and the second charging information at a fixed intervalrespectively to the first video information and the second videoinformation.
 15. A system for charging a fee for a video information,comprising: means for receiving a signal including first charging signaltransmitted from an information source, second charging informationother than the first charging information, and video information; meansfor reading the first or second charging information from the receivedsignal; means for detecting an event that the second charginginformation is read from the signal; and means for conducting, when thereading of the second charging information is detected, a chargingprocess according to the second charging information.
 16. A system forcharging a fee for a video information, comprising: means forreproducing a signal recorded on a recording media, the signal includingfirst video information to which first charging information is added andsecond video information to which second charging information other thanthe first charging information is added; means for detecting the firstor second charging information in the reproduced signal; means fordeciding whether or not the second charging information is detected atleast a predetermined number of times; and means for conducting, whenthe first charging information is detected and the second charginginformation is detected less than the predetermined number of times, acharging process according to the first charging information andconducting, when the first charging information is detected and thesecond charging information is detected at least the predeterminednumber of times, a charging process according to the second charginginformation.
 17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the means forconducting the charging process includes: means for calculating anamount of charge for a predetermined period of time according to thefirst or second charging information; means for measuring a period oftime in which the signals are reproduced; and means for settling paymentof an amount of charge each time the predetermined period of time ismeasured by the measuring means.
 18. A system according to claim 17,wherein the settling means includes: interface means to which an IC cardas a storage of electronic money is connected; and means for withdrawingthe amount of charge from the IC card keeping therein the electronicmoney each time the predetermined period of time is measured.
 19. Asystem according to claim 17, further including: means for detectingerrors in the reproduced signal and creating an error signal when thequantity of the detected error exceeds a predetermined value; and meansfor changing the amount of charge in response to the error signal.
 20. Asystem for charging a fee for a video information, comprising: means forreproducing a signal recorded on a recording media, the signal includingfirst video information to which first charging information is added andsecond video information to which second charging information other thanthe first charging information is added, the second charging informationbeing represented with charging signals in a plurality of areasdistributively arranged in the second video information; means fordetecting the first charging information in the reproduced signal; meansfor deciding a first charging condition according to the first charginginformation; means for detecting the second charging informationaccording to the charging signals in the charging signal areas detectedby the detecting means; means for deciding a second charging conditionaccording to the second charging information; and means for conducting,when the first charging information is detected and the second charginginformation is not detected, a charging process according to the firstcharging information and conducting, when the second charginginformation is detected, a charging process according to the secondcharging information.
 21. A system according to claim 20, wherein saidmeans for conducting the charge process includes: means for calculatingan amount of charge for predetermined period of time according to thefirst or second charging information; means for measuring a period oftime in which the signals are reproduced; and means for settling paymentof an amount of charge each time the predetermined period of time ismeasured by the measuring means.
 22. A system according to claim 20,wherein the second charging condition is decided according to acombination of the charging signals in a predetermined number of areasof the plural charging signal areas.
 23. A system according to claim 21,wherein the settling means includes: interface means to which an IC cardas a storage of electronic money is connected; and means for withdrawingthe amount of charge from the IC card keeping therein the electronicmoney each time the predetermined period of time is measured.
 24. Asystem according to claim 21, further including: means for detectingerrors in the reproduced signal and creating an error signal when thequantity of the detected errors exceeds a predetermined value; and meansfor changing the first or second charging condition in response to theerror signal.
 25. A system according to claim 21, further including:means for detecting errors in the reproduced signal and creating anerror signal when the quantity of the detected errors exceeds apredetermined value; and means for invalidating the charging process inresponse to the error signal.
 26. A method for charging a fee for avideo information, comprising the steps of: recording scrambled signalsincluding video information and charging information on a recordingmedia; reading the scrambled signals from the recording media;reproducing original video signals from the signals read from therecording media by a recording and reproducing means; and detecting thecharging information in the signals read from the recording media.
 27. Amethod for charging a fee for a video information, comprising the stepsof: selectively outputting therefrom a signal including first videoinformation or a signal including second video information; adding firstcharging information to a signal including the first video informationand adding second charging information other than the first charginginformation to the signal including the second video information;transmitting the signal to which the first or second charginginformation is added; and receiving the transmitted signal andreproducing from the received signal the first or second videoinformation and the first or second charging information.
 28. A methodfor charging a fee for a video information, comprising the steps of:receiving a signal including first charging signal transmitted from aninformation source, second charging information other than the firstcharging information, and video information; reading the first or secondcharging information from the received signal; detecting an event thatthe second charging information is read from the signal; and conducting,when the reading of the second charging information is detected, acharging process according to the second charging information.